Despite his passion for footwear, Löf didn’t envision himself as the store’s shopkeeper. His background is in IT and he still runs his own business-to-business IT company with fellow Skoaktiebolaget founder Daniel Tung, but a tragic turn of fate (friend, co-founder and manager Adam Kruse died of cancer less than a year after the store opened) pushed him onto the boutique’s front line.

From here, Löf experienced first hand a strong local response – from both young enthusiasts and older aficionados – to their small selection of handmade footwear. These are classic men’s shoes from just a handful of European makers.

There is Enzo Bonafè, a family-run Italian company created in 1963; it offers unusual models such as grey-and- black button boots (£675) alongside classic Balmoral Oxfords (£520) and several models in cordovan (horse leather, from £875).

Mallorca-based Carmina Shoemaker, meanwhile, was founded in 1997 by José Albaladejo, whose family has been making shoes on the island for over 150 years. His traditionally made footwear ranges from suede brogues (£345) in navy and loden green to smart crocodile Derby boots (£1,050).

And from Portugal comes Carlos Santos, whose Porto-made designs (jodhpur boots, £315) are the most affordable option, while Romania- based outfit Saint Crispin’s produces just 1,500 pairs each year, with the Wingtip (£1,150, pictured) a signature style.